Madison — Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp on Tuesday defended Gov. Scott Walker's plan to turn the Natural Resources Board into an advisory panel, instead of one that makes policy, even as she acknowledged she had not been consulted on the proposal in advance.

"I feel that it's extra layers," Stepp said of the board in a briefing to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee. "I think it's duplicative."

The idea has sparked opposition from Democrats as well as some of Walker's fellow Republicans. Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) said he had "some concerns" about the plan.(57)

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp., then so is chief executive Michael Koss, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

In a suit filed last week, the bank argues that if a jury finds Park Bank liable for the loss, then Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, the firm's former auditor, should have to pay some of the award.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," Park Bank wrote in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss in this case those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(2)

Gov. Scott Walker readies ad for start of general election

Madison -- Gov. Scott Walker's campaign is ready with another campaign ad to debut statewide on Wednesday, the day after Tuesday's primary.

With Walker's leading Democratic opponent, Mary Burke, poised to win an easy primary race, the Republican governor will seek to block her from gaining any moment with an ad of his own.

A copy of the ad shown to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter showed unidentified workers thanking the governor and saying that Walker's policies and spending on worker training helped them find a job. Walker spokeswoman Alleigh Marré said the workers were all "real people who have gotten a new job during the governor's term."

Marré didn't identify who the workers were or whether they were previously unemployed.

The ad is a return to Walker talking about his own record after running spots attacking Burke.

"The ad focuses on Governor Walker's strong $100 million investment in worker training and highlights Wisconsin citizens who have gotten a new job during the governor's term. Wisconsin is heading in the right direction under Governor Walker's leadership, and we can't afford to go back with Mary Burke to the failed policies that led to record job loss," Marré said in a statement.

Walker's training approach includes a requirement that childless, able-bodied food stamp recipients go to training to keep receiving benefits. Democrats say his new spending on certain training isn't enough to make up for cuts made by Republicans in other areas.

For instance, technical colleges saw a $5 million boost in general state aid, bringing it to $88.5 million a year, under Walker's apporach in the current budget. But in 2011, funding for technical schools dropped by a larger amount, from $119.3 million to $83.5 million.

A spokesman for Burke had no comment.

About Jason Stein

Jason Stein covers the state Capitol and is the author with his colleague Patrick Marley of "More than They Bargained For: Scott Walker, Unions and the Fight for Wisconsin." His work has been recognized by journalism groups such as the American Society of News Editors, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors.